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GOP Poised to Control More State
Legislatures

Party Gains Put More Policy Changes Into Play

By

Beth Reinhard

May 4, 2014 7:33 p.m. ET

Four years after Republicans grabbed their largest number of legislative seats since the Great Depression, the party is positioned to gain House and Senate majorities in more states, putting energy regulation, social issues and taxes in play even as Washington remains gridlocked.

Control of five state Senates would swing to the GOP with a gain of no more than three seats, and the party is targeting four additional state legislative chambers, believing the political environment favors Republicans this year. The party...